Founded in 1995, The Miracle Center uses the Arts as a catalyst for personal growth, leadership development, academic advancement and community engagement. Our academically and culturally enriched performance-based programming impacts youth and their families by instilling confidence, that is the catalyst that inspires behavioral and social change. With a rich history in the Performing Arts, TMC maintains strong partnerships with legislators, schools and community leaders. In the last 22 years, TMC ensured affordable access to the Theater and Performing Arts to over 12,000 youth, ages 11-22, under the premises that Arts Education inspires people to redirect their focus academically, socially and professionally. TMC offers year-round, after-school programming, theater arts, youth entrepreneurship, workforce development and summer arts camps. TMC’s comprehensive programs are available to young people at no charge Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, during the school year and Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM during the summer.

What we do

The Miracle Center uses after-school and summer programming to empower and train inner-city youth in developing full theater productions that address important subject matters. Youth are responsible for the artistic outcome of the production, which includes design, casting, lighting, music and performance.

Why we do it

Our communities experience pervasive poverty, unemployment, low educational attainment, and minimal post-secondary achievement. TMC understands the inspiring power of the Arts in academic attainment, creative problem solving, higher self-esteem and positive social behavior. Furthermore, TMC’s hours of operations strategically align with the schedule of the school system and with the research that correlates the incidences of the time violence and risky behavior for inner city youth are higher. TMC’s inspiring team, who are empowered by committed stakeholders tirelessly promote personal growth, leadership development, academic advancement and community engagement to all of the youth. TMC is committed to accomplishing its goals a safe, professional environment that nurtures the individual to engage in their communities and to change the world.

Our Impact

ACADEMIC

Research indicates students involved in Theater Arts, outscored non-art students on the SAT by an average of 65 points in the verbal component and 34 points in the math component. Additionally, Theater Arts improves school attendance, reduces high school dropout rates. (1) Afterschool programs increases parent involvement and improves academic performance. (2) TMC is committed to providing youth a safe haven to excel academically, creatively and personally.

CAREER READINESS

Minority business owners are the fastest growing cadre in the Chicago area, contributing to a job surge and economic growth. Research indicates 68% of teenagers want to become entrepreneurs. (3) TMC's WorkForce Initiative program addresses teenage unemployment by …………………………. Illinois is said to have the highest teenage unemployment in the United States. The city of Chicago has a 91.3% unemployment rate for African American teenagers and 80% unemployment rate for Hispanic teenagers. (4)